Use of IUDs and Implants Increased Nearly Fivefold Over the Last Decade: Trend Reflected in Texas Planned Parenthood Patients

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Austin, TX — Yesterday the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on the use of long-acting, reversible contraception (LARC) methods among women in the US. The report found that use of LARC methods—which include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants—increased nearly fivefold in the last decade among women aged 15-44, from 1.5 percent in 2002 to 7.2 percent in 2011-2013. IUD and implant use is most common among women aged 25-34.

Additionally, a new Planned Parenthood study published this week in the journal Contraception found that women’s healthcare providers are three and a half times more likely to choose a LARC for their own method of birth control.

Since 2009, Planned Parenthood health centers have seen a 91 percent increase (nationally) in the use of IUDs and implants, with IUD use increasing 57 percent and contraceptive implants growing 361 percent. From 2012 to 2013, Planned Parenthood saw a 38 percent increase in patients with contraceptive implants and a 12 percent increase in patients with IUDs.

In Austin in 2013, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas launched a pilot LARC program offering free IUD and implants to low-income residents of Travis County. To date, nearly 400 women have been served through this program, and hundreds more have received education and information about their birth control options.

“LARCs offer our patients an affordable, longterm method of birth control that can be easily and immediately reversed should they decide to become pregnant,” said Sarah Wheat, Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Vice President of Community Affairs. “With the Affordable Care Act and other funding options now available, both IUDs and implants are more affordable than ever, and in many cases available with no out of pocket cost to patients.”